For the first time in Oklahoma City history, pedestrians and bicyclists can safely cross the Oklahoma River without risking getting hit by passing traffic.
The first of three pedestrian bridges connecting north and south Oklahoma opened to the public on Monday on a perfect morning weather wise and with sweeping views of OKANA resort on the south shore of the river, Riversport Adventures on the north shore and the downtown skyline in the foreground.
People walk across the new Oklahoma River pedestrian bridge that connects OKANA with Bricktown and Riversport on the north shore of the waterway.
The Sept. 8 opening, presided over by a mix of city leaders and dignitaries with the Chickasaw Nation, also included a glimpse of an arrival event plaza and landing for the EMBARK River Cruises.
Mayor David Holt predicted the OKANA pedestrian bridge and landing will be a popular viewing spot for regattas on the Oklahoma River and a valuable connection between OKANA and the 2028 Olympic Canoe Slalom at McClendon White Water Center at Riversport.
The MAPS 4 pedestrian bridge, Oklahoma River Cruise Boat Plaza and Riverside Amphitheater at OKANA are seen on Sept. 8.
“We obviously want to establish as much connectivity as possible between all of these major amenities, and that is why we committed to this MAPS 4 pedestrian bridge and EMBARK boat landing,” Holt said. “We’re excited to see all of these visions becoming reality, and that wouldn’t be possible without our continued partnership with the Chickasaw Nation, for which we remain grateful.”
Holt said conversations with the Chickasaws about building a pedestrian bridge started after they announced plans for the $400 million OKANA resort, but before voters were asked to approve an array of projects as part of MAPS 4.
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The $6.7 million bridge spans 614 feet over the river, just north of OKANA, and connects with the four-mile Greenway River Trail on the north shore at Eastern Avenue. The bridge is located at the starting line of regattas and built to support large crowds.
Another $6.7 million was spent on the OKANA landing, which will be the sixth stop for the Rivercruisers when it opens in Spring 2026. The boats will then connect OKANA with Riversport and Bricktown, the Stockyards, the Meridian Avenue hotel corridor and Regatta Park.
Teresa Rose, Mayor David Holt and Gov. Bill Anoatubby react on Sept. 8 after they cut the ribbon cutting ceremony for the MAPS 4 pedestrian bridge, Oklahoma River Cruise Boat Plaza and Riverside Amphitheater at OKANA.
The landing is being funded through the city, the Chickasaw Nation and the Federal Transit Administration.
Two more pedestrian bridges over the river are in the planning stages. Shannon Cox, spokesperson for Oklahoma City Public Works, said conversion of an abandoned railway bridge west of the Wheeler District and near Exchange Avenue will likely start in early 2026.
Holt, meanwhile, reported that discussions are ongoing about plans for a new pedestrian crossing that will be built as part of reconstruction of the Interstate 35 river bridges. Holt said the city is working with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to draw up a more eye-catching design for the highway bridges while also building the pedestrian crossing west of the highway to where it can serve as a viewing platform for the regatta finish line.
The pedestrian bridge was awarded a federal grant in 2024.
“We could end up having starting and finishing line pedestrian bridges,” Holt said. “When there are events, the Lincoln Boulevard bridge gets a lot of pedestrians on it, and it’s not very safe.”
An abandoned 1956 rail bridge over the Oklahoma River, shown in this 2022 photo, is set to be converted into a pedestrian crossing in 2026.
All three bridges will connect into the city’s growing trail system that spans close to 100 miles. The crowd gathered Monday to celebrate the opening of the OKANA bridge included more than a dozen members of the Major Taylor bicycle club.
Member Zenephon Warrior, said the club is part of a national organization named after the first Black world bicycle champion.
“This is a fantastic area that has been developed,” Warrior said. “There are major improvements going on for cyclists in every part of the city. This connection is a monumental step in uniting the north side of the river and the south side of the river.”
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: First of three Oklahoma River pedestrian bridges open at OKANA resort